Kennett market opens in April

Photo by Fran Maye
Workers put finishing touches on the new Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square as owner Larry Bosley walks around to inspect. The new market will open in four to five weeks and a famous Phily cheesesteak vendor is among those slated to open there.

KENNETT SQUARE — The much-anticipated Market at Liberty Place will open by the end of March or early April, with the majority of vendors ready to set up shop.

The 10,000-square-foot building will be home to a mix of merchants selling freshly prepared foods, produce and other retail goods. The building, located at 148 W. State Street, is owned by Larry Bosley, former superintendent at Kennett Consolidated School District.

“This will have a positive impact on town,” said Bosley’s son, Geoff, a business partner and also a member of Kennett Square borough council. “This will make the town that much stronger.”

One of those vendors is Rick’s Steaks. The owner is the grandson of the famous Pat’s Steaks from Philly and he sells at Lincoln financial Field and Citizens Bank Park. Recently, he had a site at the Reading Terminal Market. It’s his first venture out of Philly.

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“It’s the real Philly cheesesteak,” said Larry. “He (Rick Olivieri) has served cheesesteaks to just about every famous person you can imagine.”

Other vendors include:

— State Street Pizza and Grill, operated by Jim Miller, a Kennett High graduate and former manager at Gran Sasso Pizza in Kennett. Hoagies and other Italian food will be for sale.

— George’s and Son Seafood, which has a location in Hockessin, De. The business features fresh seafood daily, mostly for take home. However, soups will be available, and clam chowder is possible.

— Nourish Coffee Shop and Juice Bar, featuring fresh coffee. It will be located to the left of the entrance with a view onto State Street.

— Yo’R So Sweet, which will be offering fresh crepes and French favorites. Crepes will be made fresh at the counter. Full meals will be offered as well.

— Kennett Arts Alliance, which will host interactive demonstrations and workshops, and have some artwork for sale.

“Right now, we’re about 70 percent full,” Larry said. “We’d like to put 12 (vendors) in here. But we’re intentionally not completely full because we want to see how things work out when we open. We need the flexibility.”

All the vendors have differing leases, Geoff said.

There’s seating for about 80 at the individual vendor stations, plus an additional 50 seats outside at the four season deck with climate-controlled, retractable glass doors. There’s free internet access throughout.

There are 30 on-site parking spaces, and the Bosleys said they are working on acquiring more parking. During the day, tenants who lease the upper and lower part of the building use some of the parking spaces, but they’re gone by late afternoon, and not there at all during the weekends.

“We’re working on parking,” Larry said. “Is there ever enough parking in town? To me, that means people want to be in town.”

The large public restrooms in the facility even have a changing station for babies.

The Bosleys said The Market at Liberty Place will extend Kennett Square’s business district a bit west and draw more people into town.

A grand opening featuring prizes and giveaways will take place closer to the opening date.

The Bosleys are searching for a butcher and someone who specializes in produce. Prospective vendors can call 610-925-3411.